Menu
20/06/2003
GP pay contract 'a new era for general practice'
In what has been described “a new era for general practice”, GPs throughout the UK have today voted overwhelmingly to adopt a new NHS pay deal.
The new General Medical Services (GMS) contract was accepted by 79.4% of GPs who took part in the ballot.
Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee, said: "The profession has given a clear mandate for change. A large majority of general practitioners - eight out of 10 - want the new contract to be introduced.
“I believe this is the turning point for general practice and that family doctors have chosen the road which will lead them to a better working life and provide their patients with even higher quality care."
Under the terms of the new contract, the average GP could see their earnings rise to approximately £80,000 per year. They can also expect a reduction in their workload, in order to provide more time for GPs to see the sickest patients.
BMA Chairman, Dr Ian Bogle echoed Dr Chisholm’s comments, saying: "This is a significant vote in favour of the new contract.
“I regard this as very good news for the future of general practice. The BMA is committed to support implementation talks constructively to ensure that this new contract really does change the face of UK general practice for the better."
Mike Ferrar of the NHS Confederation said he was “delighted” that GPs accepted the new contract.
“It is a win-win deal for GPs and patients alike. It will reward GPs for higher quality care, improve their working lives and ensure that patients benefit from a wider range of services closer to home," he said.
“The unprecedented £1.9 billion of investment that the contract will bring represents a huge step forward for primary care in the UK”, he said.
Welcoming the outcome of the ballot, Health Minister Dr John Reid said: "I am delighted that GPs, who do a brilliant job for patients, have voted in favour of accepting their new contract.
“It is great they are willing to work with us in reforming and improving primary care in the NHS. Patients, doctors and the wider NHS will benefit from these reforms.
“This is a very positive development and a big step forward in modernising the NHS”.
However, Shadow Health Secretary, Dr Liam Fox claimed that GP morale had now hit "rock bottom".
He said: “The government has a long way to go to persuade doctors that they will be given the professional freedom necessary to make General Practice an attractive career again."
(MM)
The new General Medical Services (GMS) contract was accepted by 79.4% of GPs who took part in the ballot.
Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee, said: "The profession has given a clear mandate for change. A large majority of general practitioners - eight out of 10 - want the new contract to be introduced.
“I believe this is the turning point for general practice and that family doctors have chosen the road which will lead them to a better working life and provide their patients with even higher quality care."
Under the terms of the new contract, the average GP could see their earnings rise to approximately £80,000 per year. They can also expect a reduction in their workload, in order to provide more time for GPs to see the sickest patients.
BMA Chairman, Dr Ian Bogle echoed Dr Chisholm’s comments, saying: "This is a significant vote in favour of the new contract.
“I regard this as very good news for the future of general practice. The BMA is committed to support implementation talks constructively to ensure that this new contract really does change the face of UK general practice for the better."
Mike Ferrar of the NHS Confederation said he was “delighted” that GPs accepted the new contract.
“It is a win-win deal for GPs and patients alike. It will reward GPs for higher quality care, improve their working lives and ensure that patients benefit from a wider range of services closer to home," he said.
“The unprecedented £1.9 billion of investment that the contract will bring represents a huge step forward for primary care in the UK”, he said.
Welcoming the outcome of the ballot, Health Minister Dr John Reid said: "I am delighted that GPs, who do a brilliant job for patients, have voted in favour of accepting their new contract.
“It is great they are willing to work with us in reforming and improving primary care in the NHS. Patients, doctors and the wider NHS will benefit from these reforms.
“This is a very positive development and a big step forward in modernising the NHS”.
However, Shadow Health Secretary, Dr Liam Fox claimed that GP morale had now hit "rock bottom".
He said: “The government has a long way to go to persuade doctors that they will be given the professional freedom necessary to make General Practice an attractive career again."
(MM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 October 2003
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
Scottish BMA warns against GP contract delay
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of the "potentially devastating repercussions" for general practice in Scotland if there is a delay in implementing legislation for new GP contracts. The BMA have detailed their concerns in a letter to Christine Grahame, the convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Community Care Committee.
14 May 2003
GPs hear of 'dire' consequences if contract rejected
The chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee (GPC) has said that there would be "dire" consequences if GPs reject the new contract proposals. At today's conference in London, Dr John Chisholm told more than 500 family doctors to focus on "long-term goals rather than short-term difficulties".
GPs hear of 'dire' consequences if contract rejected
The chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee (GPC) has said that there would be "dire" consequences if GPs reject the new contract proposals. At today's conference in London, Dr John Chisholm told more than 500 family doctors to focus on "long-term goals rather than short-term difficulties".
27 October 2010
Doctors Call For Out Of Hours Improvements
Scotland’s GPs have called for better coordination of out of hours services for patients today.
Doctors Call For Out Of Hours Improvements
Scotland’s GPs have called for better coordination of out of hours services for patients today.
17 November 2014
Church Of England Set To Ordain Female Bishops
The first female bishops could be ordained in the Church of England early next year, as the church prepares to formally adopt new legislation. It follows a vote by the general synod in July which accepted the move to allow women to become bishops. A previous vote held in 2012 was defeated by six votes.
Church Of England Set To Ordain Female Bishops
The first female bishops could be ordained in the Church of England early next year, as the church prepares to formally adopt new legislation. It follows a vote by the general synod in July which accepted the move to allow women to become bishops. A previous vote held in 2012 was defeated by six votes.
08 July 2013
CofE Begin New Debate Of Female Bishops
A renewed attempt to women bishops within the Church of England is to be debated by the ruling general synod. The meeting being held in York will discuss and vote on the wording of a proposed controversial new church law. A decision on the law will then be taken at a future meeting of the general synod.
CofE Begin New Debate Of Female Bishops
A renewed attempt to women bishops within the Church of England is to be debated by the ruling general synod. The meeting being held in York will discuss and vote on the wording of a proposed controversial new church law. A decision on the law will then be taken at a future meeting of the general synod.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
